This classic children’s tale by C.S. Lewis, recently made into a hit film, was also turned into a musical that is currently being produced by Valley Youth Theatre in Phoenix. The musical changes many details of the story to make the presentation on stage easier, but the essence and most important scenes of the story are there, mixed with a fairly good musical score. It also lightens up most of the darker scenes with humor so it won’t be quite as scary for younger kids.

Valley Youth Theatre and Director Bobb Cooper presents a visually impressive production, making the land of Narnia come alive on the stage. The set by Dori Brown is dominated by a skyline that can be seen as mountains or rocks depending on the scene. In the middle is movable ramp leading to a dais that is modified to fit several critical moments of the story. Lighting Designer Daniel Davison paints the set with gorgeous lighting effects that turn it from winter to spring and help enhance the many moods of the tale. And Karol Cooper transforms the human cast into residents of Narnia, including the patched-up apparel of the poor, cockney-talking beavers, the warmth of the lion Aslan, and the icy white and silver of the White Witch topped off with a silver crown that has the evil feel of a black widow’s web.

The cast ranges in ages from 8 to 18. The four English children are all around the age they are in the novel. Peter is played by Adam Moffitt who handles his heavy long sword with amusingly appropriate awkwardness until he finally needs it and the king inside him comes out. Abbie Maynard is a caring Susan with a bright smile and a sensible dread of danger. E.J. Dohring plays the selfish traitor, Edmund, who has delusions of grandeur and trouble admitting when he’s wrong. He keeps “unnerving” his younger sister Lucy played by Katie Wilkinson as a fiercely loyal and mostly sweet girl, but who is not at all keen on forgiving her bratty brother Edmund as we see in some humorous exchanges.

Then there are the colorful Narnians. Justin Rapp and Kim Sheperd are a hoot of a couple as Mr. and Mrs. Beaver who might just save the kids and all Narnia if they can stop their bickering long enough. Michelle Vezilj is the regally evil White Witch who uses her voice, forced smiles, and measured amounts of humor and coldness to get what she wants. What she really wants is to defeat the magic of Aslan, with Eddie Maldonado giving a terrific performance as his voice and manner fill the character with strength, comfort, and nobility. He helps ease Edmund’s inner turmoil in the beautiful From the Inside Out and then shares a haunting duet with the White Witch in Deep Magic.

Performs October 13-29, 2006.

Rob Hopper
National Youth Theatre